Theft victim unhappy with police response

Published on 26th April 2007 in News

A DISGRUNTLED Rawcliffe Bridge resident has hit out at Humberside Police this week after he was told that no further action was to be taken over a recent theft from his home.

Geoff Land recently had a wooden table and four matching chairs, valued at around £200, stolen from his Papermill Road garden and immediately reported the incident to the police.

The following day, the four chairs were found in a nearby field but the table was still missing and Mr Land contacted the police to update them and provide the name of a possible offender, along with the name and address of a witness prepared to give a statement. But Mr Land later received a less than encouraging response from police.

He said: "Imagine my incredulity, three days later, to receive a letter from some ignominious chief superintendent in Hull, telling me they sympathised but that no further action was going to be taken.

"Is it any wonder thieves are having a field day? All their birthdays have come at once and it's open season on where they strike next.

"It would appear that the police have decriminalised theft.

"The 'super' has crossed over and joined the other side. God help all us law-abiding people who are left if it has come to this."

* But when the Goole Times spoke to Samantha Lane this week, a spokesperson for Humberside Police, she told us the police had been unable to contact Mr Land to discuss the situation further.

She said: "Officers have received information about a possible witness to the crime and a potential offender. Since then, various attempts have been made to contact the victim.

"However, these attempts have been unsuccessful and we would urge the victim to contact police to discuss any information he has."

Not an isolated incident

A fellow Papermill Road resident, who does not wish to be named, also spoke out this week about thefts in the area.

The resident said: "A few years ago, I had a garden chair stolen from the rear of my house and since then, I don't dare leave anything outside for fear of it being taken.

"I was very annoyed over the theft as the chair belonged to my grandmother; it had sentimental value."